james neal linda o'keefe

According to police, O'Keefe normally rode her bike to summer school. . "I never really thought that they would actually ever find the individual responsible," Cindy Borgeson, a sister of Linda OKeefe, told ABC News. She makes a lot of my clothes, and my sisters clothes. A woman later told police she saw O'Keefe standing next to a turquoise van and talking to the driver -- a white man in his mid-20s or early 30s. 1 dead, 1 rescued by firefighters after speeding car crashed into tree in Colorado Springs, Voice of the consumer: Looking for a job? Specifics on how Neal died have not been released, but 11 News is told he was hospitalized at the end of May. For nearly 45 years, the murder of 11-year-old Linda O'Keefe haunted the Newport Beach Police Department in California. James Alan Neal, 73, was transferred to a local hospital May 25 for treatment of an illness and died there at about 5:15 a.m. Wednesday, according to Orange County sheriff's officials. The sketches depict what the suspect may have looked like at 25 years old as well as an age-progressed version. James Alan Neal was arrested February 19, 2019, in connection to her death, prosecutors announced at a press conference.. A Santa Ana police officer who arrested Neal for the burglary went further, describing him as being in constant emotional conflict and in need of long-term psychiatric care. It was our intention to see James Alan Neal stand trial and answer for the murder of Linda Ann OKeefe. Have a tip or story idea? She doesn't know that I'm missing. Beware of scams, Denver police searching for missing 14-year-old. James Neal, 73, was arrested last year in Monument for the 1973 murder of 11-year-old Linda OKeefe in Newport Beach, California. A man has been arrested through DNA and genetic genealogy in the decades-old cold case killing of 11-year-old Linda Ann OKeefe, who was strangled to death in Southern California in 1973, authorities said. Neal, 72, was arrested in Colorado Springs, Colo., and charged with murder with special circumstances in the death of Linda O'Keefe, who was found strangled in 1973, a case that has long. Neal was taken to a hospital on May 25 for an illness. "Just before midnight, 'a lady in the bluffs above Back Bay hears a female voice outside, screaming "Stop, you're hurting me," ' the police tweeted in O'Keefe's name. It was July 6, 1973, a Friday. Linda Ann O'Keefe was killed in July 1973 -- and decades went by without leads. Her body was found strangled in a ditch the next day. Girl Was Stabbed 59 Times After Parting Ways with Boyfriend in 1982 and Suspect Was Just Arrested, to recount the story of Lindas life, mysterious disappearance and death. The 11-year-old was last seen on this street talking to a stranger in a van. A native of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., he was previously a breaking news and multimedia reporter for the Ogden, Utah, Standard-Examiner. Investigators would later learn that the girl had last been seen at an intersection, talking to a stranger in a turquoise van. [Mugshot via Newport Beach Police Department], Have a tip we should know? IE 11 is not supported. It is unclear whether he has retained a lawyer who can speak on his behalf. Linda O'Keefe. However, the case remained unsolved for about 46 years before the investigators found the killer. James Allen Neal. Click here to get breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases in the True Crime Newsletter. McMillan went on to say that Neals father, who designed drugstores, and his mother, who was a bookkeeper, were described as extremely neurotic people who were both physically and psychologically cruel to their children. They are reported to be detached emotionally and narcissistic, he added. Neal moved to. He worked odd jobs as a cook, factory worker, a floral delivery person, etc., but could never consistently hold down a job. He was rushed to a local hospital about a month before that. Scott Schwebke is an investigative reporter for the Orange County Register and the Southern California News Group. In spite of rehabilitative attempts through California Youth Authority and Orange County Jail sentences (it) seems to negate any desire or ability (by Neal) to follow through.. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Photo Source. "It didn't necessarily lead to the identification (of the suspect)," he said. Her body was found the next morning in a ditch in the area of Newport Beachs Back Bay. 72-year-old arrested in connection with 1973 murder of 11-year-old girl, Linda O'Keefe, who lived in the Corona del Mar neighborhood and was last seen alive July 6, 1973, as she walked home from summer school. for me personally. Spitzer refused to elaborate on how they were able to track down Neal and identify him as a suspect after 45 years, but he said police had received a "pointer notification through genealogical DNA" - perhaps suggesting that authorities had come upon DNA from someone related to Neal that would have implicated him as a possible match. Through genealogical DNA, though, investigators corroborated the DNA from O'Keefe's body and the DNA obtained from the suspect, according to Spitzer. In August 1969, he was convicted of fraud in Denver and sentenced to three to 10 year at Colorados Territorial Correctional Facility. "They probably are so shocked," she said. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. "We have heard from a number of her friends from when she was in school, and her death has touched so many people," Newport Beach police spokeswoman Jennifer Manzella said at the time. He was released from the penitentiary in July 1971. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. After Lindas death, Neal moved to Florida, where he changed his name to James Alan George Leyton, Spitzer said. Police also urged the public to share details about O'Keefe's disappearance on social media with the hashtag #Lindastory. "My office will never forget about cold cases," Spitzer said in a statement. OKeefes 1973 rape and murder went unsolved for decades. ", Borgeson said, if she gets a chance to speak to Neal, she would "let him know that I've been praying for him.". 1966 probation report describes man suspected, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), 1966 probation report describes man suspected of killing 11-year-old Linda OKeefe as emotionally disturbed, Whats new: Loma Villas apartments sell for $21.5M to investor, 4 dead in Mojave Desert community after shooting report, El Chapo sons send Mexico cartels cheap fentanyl into US, Sacramento Snapshot: Cities would need to include homeless-serving housing in state plans under new bill, after DNA analysis identified him as a suspect, Police hope vintage photo of man accused of murdering 11-year-old in 1973 will bring witnesses forward, Man charged with killing 11-year-old Linda OKeefe in 1973 cold-case murder in Newport Beach, How DNA and old-fashioned police work led to arrest in 1973 cold-case murder of 11-year-old Linda OKeefe, Newport Beach Police will use Twitter to tell story of 11-year-old homicide victim on 45th anniversary of her unsolved murder, Orange County restaurants shut down by health inspectors (April 20-27), More land sliding at Casa Romantica; residents evacuated, trains halted through San Clemente, Orange County Artist of the Year winners announced, Then and Now: Photos of Casa Romantica show damage caused by landside, Fire at Barnes & Noble in Orange disrupts book-signing event, The DMV says permission to drive is based on ability, but older drivers are scrutinized more, OC Marine who volunteered in Ukraine, survived rocket attack: I would do it again, Cold, drizzly week ahead for Southern California, A look at Orange Countys baseball teams and the CIF-SS playoffs, Joe Bidens re-election bid is off to a bad start, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Borgeson said she also prayed for Neal's family as his arrest was announced. "Generations of investigators worked on her case. SANTA ANA, CA Officials in California say James Alan Neal, who was arrested last year in Monument for the rape and murder of 11-year-old Linda O'Keefe, has died. Her body was found the next day in a nature preserve. After the slaying, Neal moved to Florida, where some sort of incident prompted him to change his name from James Albert Layton to James Alan Neal, authorities have said, declining to give specifics. "The tweets extend the period of time that Linda's story can be out there for people to relate to," Manzella said in July. Neal was released from police custody on his own recognizance, fled California and was rearrested when he returned to the state on March 3, 1966. Then her mother made that call that every parent dreads and told police her daughter was missing, he said. / CBS Colorado. Jeffrey Malecki, 55, who lived next door to Neal for five years, said Friday his neighbor mentioned having served time in jail but never elaborated. Neals extensive criminal history and the circumstances of the 1973 sexual assault and murder of 11-year-old Linda OKeefe lead law enforcement to seek potential additional victims and witnesses. He could be brought to California sometime this week if he waives extradition, Spitzer said. I want to make up for all the hurt I have caused myself and my parents, especially my mother, Neal, who was 19 at the time and went by James Albert Layton Jr., told Orange County probation officer David R. McMillan in 1966 while awaiting sentencing for a burglary conviction. 'She listens, but hears nothing more. Spitzer lauded noted DNA investigator CeCe Moore for helping police develop a "pointer" toward Neal. For an optimal experience visit our site on . OKeefe, 11, was abducted on July 6, 1973, as she walked home from summer school, the Newport Beach, California, Police Department said. While their parents did not live to see an arrest, Borgeson said, "I'm sure she [O'Keefe] and my parents are rejoicing.". But when night fell and her whereabouts were still unknown, her parents called police and desperately combed the neighborhood, to no avail. He was released on parole in July 1971, and about two years later, the authorities believed he killed Linda. Photo Source. 11-year-old Linda O'Keefe was kidnapped on her way back from home in July 1973. Through the tireless efforts of generations of our investigators, we hope we have been able to bring a measure of closure to Lindas family, friends, and loved ones.. The sister of a little girl who was strangled to death in 1973 didn't expect to see a conclusion to the mysterious cold case, she told ABC News hours after a man's arrest was announced on Wednesday. Anyone with additional information about the OKeefe case or who believes they may be a victim of Neal is asked to call the NBPD Cold Case Tip Line at 949-644-3669.. The key moment arrived with the February 19, 2019 arrest of Neal in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Lindas story deeply touched the hearts of our community, said Newport Beach Police Chief Jon Lewis. Neal denied all charges and faced up to 82 years in prison if he was convicted on all charges. Her family called the police and officers then joined the search for the 4-foot-tall girl with long brown hair and blue eyes. Neal appears gaunt and stoic in a black-and white prison photo. The novel investigative technique of genetic genealogy takes an unknown killer's DNA from a crime scene and identifies the suspect through his or her family members, who voluntarily submit their DNA to genealogy databases. It was a difficult conversation . About a month later, the police brought additional charges of sexual assault against a child younger than 14. James Alan Neal, the 73-year-old charged in the 1973 cold case murder of 11-year-oldLinda OKeefe, died on Wednesday at about 5:15 a.m. Thats according to Orange County Sheriffs Department spokesperson Jaimee Blashaw in an NBC Los Angeles report. James Alan Neal, 73, died on Wednesday at a hospital where he had been transferred in May to be treated for an illness, according to the Orange County Sheriffs Office. "I'll get to be with them again," she added. After the burglary sentencing, James moved to Denver, Colorado, where he was accused of stealing from the gas station he worked at. Those alleged crimes happened between 1995 and 2004 in Riverside County east of Los Angeles. First tweet from Newport Beach Police Department. A day later, her body was found in a ditch, and she had been sexually assaulted. "I had closure when they found her body," Borgeson said about the fateful day 46 years ago. She was raped and then strangled to death. Police also want to know if Neal could be linked to other crimes. Copyright 2020 KKTV. . Please see the press release for more information. Reportedly, Colorado resident James Alan Neal was arrested in 2019 after a DNA report linked him to Linda O'Keefe's 1973 cold murder case. "The hit on the genealogical DNA came back and hit in January so it was very recent," Spitzer said. Composite sketch of the driver. Using details from the investigator's decades-old case files, police relayed O'Keefe's last hours, as well as her family's frantic search for her, as if they were unfolding in real time, as The Washington Post's Meagan Flynn reported: "At 6:42 p.m., six hours since her mother had last heard from her, O'Keefe's parents reported her missing to the Newport Beach Police Department, convinced by then O'Keefe was not simply running off with friends to retaliate for not getting a ride. Her death would go unsolved for more than four decades. Blashaw did not explain what this sickness was but elaborated that the inmate did not have COVID-19 symptoms. O'Keefe was last seen alive on July 6, 1973, as she walked home from summer school, the Newport Beach Police Department said. Spitzer also refused to confirm whether Neal had family members or children, saying the matter was under investigation. The arrest seemed to signal an end to an infamous cold case that had both haunted and motivated "generations of investigators" at the Newport Beach Police Department, Lewis said. His last address was in San Jacinto, where his home on East Evans Street was just a few blocks away from North Mountain Middle School and Jose Antonio Estudillo Elementary. . As a result of that genealogical submission, they got an indication that James Alan Neal may be the suspect. Then in January, CeCe Moore of San Clemente, who heads Parabons genetic genealogy unit matched DNA evidence gathered in the OKeefe investigation to a sample provided to genealogy website FamilyTreeDNA.com leading authorities to identify Neal, now 72, as a suspect. This undated booking photo provided by the El Paso County, Colo., Sheriff's Office shows James Neal. Colorado man charged in 1973 Orange County cold case dies awaiting trial. Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer announced the arrest of James Alan Neal in the 1973 murder of 11-year-old Linda Ann O'Keefe during a press conderence on Wednesday, February 20, 2019. He was arrested in Colorado Springs on Feb. 19. But Spitzer admitted that it is a murky legal decision because capital punishment was not an option when the 11-year-old was killed. Scott has also worked at newspapers in Utah, Colorado, North Carolina and Virginia covering everything from methamphetamine trafficking cops to hurricanes. But he praised Newport Beach police for persisting through the decades. That night, family members, volunteers and police spread out to search for her. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. Linda was last seen talking to a stranger in a van, Newport Beach Police Chief Jon Lewis said Wednesday. He was on parole from Colorado's prison system when Linda Ann O'Keefe was killed. "I want to know if there are any other victims.". 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The case stumped investigators for more than four decades before DNA evidence from the genealogical website FamilyTreeDNA tied Neal to the case. Neal currently lives in Colorado, but investigators were able to confirm that he lived in California in the 1970s, when Linda was murdered, Spitzer said. According to later reports, James didnt get along with his family, and his parents were physically and psychologically cruel to him and his siblings. Neal was living in Monument at the time of his arrest and was extradited to Orange County, California, where he has remained since. James Alan Neal, 72, of Monument, Colorado, who was arrested for allegedly murdering Linda O'Keefe in Newport Beach, California, in 1973. The genealogical hit came in January, officials said. And at the time of his arrest Neal had no income, savings or property except for a car that had been stolen in Springfield, Illinois, McMillan said. Man who served 15 years for murder his brother confessed to awarded $7,500,000, Woman 'sold 20 boxes of fetuses, hearts, genitalia and brains on Facebook', One killed after plane crashes into Los Angeles neighborhood. Neal is charged with murder, kidnapping during the commission of murder and lewd and lascivious acts upon a child under 14 in the beachside town of Corona del Mar, Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer said. Neal said that despite his recidivism, he was confident he could become successful. "He lived here in the 1970s," Spitzer said. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? In July, on the 45th anniversary of O'Keefe's death, the Newport Beach Police Department "live-tweeted" Linda's story - in her voice, from the perspective of her last day - in the hope of raising awareness about her cold case and shaking forth any new clues about her killer. Over 45 years ago, Linda went missing while. She had been strangled. Prosecutors are considering seeking the death penalty against Neal. The burglary that landed Neal behind bars in 1966 occurred a year earlier when he and two accomplices broke into a Santa Ana business, stealing $44.97 in cash and a portable television set valued at $90, Orange County Superior Court records show. ABC News' Jenna Harrison contributed to this report. That I'll be dead by morning. The next day she was found strangled, her. He later changed his name, officials said. James spent time in juvenile prison and later dropped out of school in 1963. The child disappeared while walking home from summer school, and her body was found strangled in a ditch the next day. Linda Ann O'Keefe's killing in 1973 in Newport Beach, California went unsolved for more than four decades. There is no record of Neal ever having been incarcerated in a California prison, according to state officials. McMillan remained skeptical. Shes really good at sewing, and we dont have a lot of money for fancy store outfits anyhow. #LindasStory pic.twitter.com/9sucqJsnGg, Newport Beach Police (@NewportBeachPD) July 6, 2018. Teacher 52 Years Later, Hiding in Plain Sight: DNA Allegedly Links Calif. Karate Instructor to 1981 Rapes, Murders of 2 Women, 2 Women Were Found Slain, Sexually Assaulted Within Months of Each Other in 1983: How DNA Led to Arrest, Teen Was Killed with Ax After Meeting Man on Phone Chat Line in 1998. "I hope that he has remorse. On Tuesday, nearly 46 years after O'Keefe's life ended, authorities arrested a man they say is suspected of being her killer: a 72-year-old living in Colorado named James Neal. On the day Linda Ann O'Keefe died, it was a cooler-than-normal July morning in Newport . He then moved to Florida, and then, a criminal incident prompted him to change his name to James Alan Neal. Lindas story deeply touched the hearts of our community. She had been strangled and was still wearing a blue-and-white floral print dress that her mother had sewn for her.

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